What a benefit would the American government, not yet…
“What a benefit would the American government, not yet relieved of its extreme need, render to itself, and to every city, village and hamlet in the States, if it would tax whiskey and rum almost to the point of prohibition! Was it Bonaparte who said that he found vices very good patriots? "He got five millions from the love of brandy, and he should be glad to know which of the virtues would pay him as much." Tobacco and opium have broad backs, and will cheerfully carry the load of armies, if you choose to make them pay high for such joy as they give and such harm as they do.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates taxing harmful substances to fund societal needs, questioning moral paradoxes of vice and patriotism.
In simple terms: Tax vices to support public good.
Key Takeaway
Use taxes to offset societal costs.
Themes
public finance
morality
policy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- public health
- war funding
Key Concepts
Taxation ethics
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How to ensure fair tax burden?
- What alternatives exist to funding?
A Different Perspective
Taxation can be regressive and unpopular.